UNODC Southern Africa highlights the power of sport for social good this Nelson Mandela International Day

Each year on 18 July, South Africans and people living across the world are encouraged to do 67 minutes of good in celebration of the life and principles of Nelson Mandela: 18 July, marking the birthday of the late icon, and 67 minutes to represent 67 years of his life spent in public service. This year, UNODC's Regional Office for Southern Africa partnered with a number of organizations working with children and youth, under the 'Gugulethu United for Youth' coalition to  celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day and promote sports and play as tools for  social  good and peaceful communities. Bringing together young people and communities, this fun-day event was based on the principles of fair play, peace, unity, service, respect and tolerance.

On Nelson Mandela International Day, UNODC highlights the plight of prisoners and the continued need for prison reform

Since 2010, the United Nations has celebrated today as Nelson Mandela International Day to recognize the birthday of South Africa's former President and his outstanding contribution to a culture of peace and freedom. For UNODC, Nelson Mandela International Day is also a time to draw attention to the more than 10 million prisoners worldwide as well as to the work of those entrusted with their safe, secure and humane custody.

With the memory of Nelson Mandela in mind, who himself had to spend 27 years of his life in prison, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners in December 2015 as 'the Nelson Mandela Rules'.

E4J call for proposals: funding for the development of non-electronic games

UNODC's Education for Justice (E4J) initiative is currently accepting applications for funding from institutions that are interested in creating non-electronic games to educate secondary level students (aged 13-18) on the issues of crime prevention, criminal justice and other rule  of law aspects. Civil society organizations , academic and/or research institutions may apply for a grant of up to USD 10,000. Applicants from any region of the world may apply. The resources shall be used by the successful candidates for the development and testing of non-electronic games and should involve secondary level students as well as educators in the process. The deadline for submission of proposals is  6 August 2017.